Councillors scrap self-imposed cap on their training and conference spending
A cap on how much councillors at West Torrens can spend on training and conferences has been lifted – by the councillors themselves.
West & Beaches
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Councillors at West Torrens have voted to remove a cap on their own travel and conference expenses because it “constrains” them.
Elected members this week accepted a recommendation from a council committee – which is made up of six councillors – to allow themselves unlimited costs for council approved conferences.
Councillors previously had a self-imposed annual cap of $4000 each on training and other council-related conferences, including travel and accommodation.
But they decided to scrap the restriction because it “constrains the ability” for elected members to “undertake training and development essential for them to discharge their powers, official duties, functions (and) responsibilities”.
It also stopped them from acting as an “informed and responsible decision maker in the interests of the community”.
Cr Kym McKay, who led the push to scrap the cap, said its original intent “was fine” but ultimately hindered councillors.
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“I haven’t spent anything in four-plus years,” Cr McKay said.
“I think the motive originally was that the same old, same old were going all the time.
“Out of 14 councillors, that was two, let’s say. Hand on heart, there’s no rorting going on.”
He said junkets should be exposed but councillors were “doing legitimate stuff”.
“Our CEO is pretty good at counselling people so that what we’re doing is correct and for the benefit of the council,” he said.